Robo hamster seizing?

[JessicaLynn]

I know we usually stick to squirrels, but you guys are so wonderful and smart and it's an emergency. My sister's hamster is shaking and crying. Trying to go through the usual steps. On my phone so it's hard to type. Is it possible for someone to abuse over the phone?

[4skwerlz]

I know we usually stick to squirrels, but you guys are so wonderful and smart and it's an emergency. My sister's hamster is shaking and crying. Trying to go through the usual steps. On my phone so it's hard to type. Is it possible for someone to abuse over the phone?

How old is the hamster?

[JessicaLynn]

They don't know. He was purchased three months ago. He's just on generic hamster food, I have them looking to see what kind. Their vet will only put him down. Carefresh complete is the food. This morning he was found tangled in something. He was cut loose but his foot was damaged. Slightly red right now...

[Jackie in Tampa]

first thoughts...
sugar boost...
log cabin, karo, molasses on the gums...
warm and quiet...
i cannot stay on...
could it be bad nutrition?
age?
head injury?
4 skwerlz will help you jl:grouphug
hope yani and other baby are doing good...
edit,oh, slow typer...here
stress and bad diet most likely...

[JessicaLynn]

Sorry for typos. Dang auto correct. He's very lethargic, occasionally thrashing and crying, breathing slowly. I know there's prob not much anyone can do, I just don't want him to suffer. My sis should not have animals.:/

[JessicaLynn]

On the sugar and heat. He's 12 grams. Crying, trying to run? And throwing head back. Nutrition might be an issue. I keep telling them no pets, want to hurt someone right now. Leg trauma, unsure of head. Possible circulation damage? Willing to help just by easing pain, this is justa new animal for me.

Thanks Jackie <3 the boys are doing great. I'll have to update online soon!

[JessicaLynn]

They say he'sbeen acting fine, playing during the day yesterday when usually only out at night.

[LyddicleaveBurrow]

Hi,

The problems might have been caused by injuries caused by the hamster being "caught in something". This could have caused a head injury.

Some strains of Roborovski Hamsters are prone neurological problems. These problems include constant spinning and back-flipping.

This hamster should be seen by a vet. If the injury to its foot is stopping or impairing the circulation then this could cause very serious problems.

From the description it sounds as though this little one has neurological problems that are heriditary or that have been caused by it getting "caught up in something".

Please take the hamster to a vet and the vet would be able to confirm the cause of the problem. If the hamster is likely to have a good quality of life despite neurological issues then there would be no reason to put it to sleep. The only reason that it would need to be put to sleep is if it has no quality of life.

Heather.

[pappy1264]

He is most likely in pain from being caught. Do you have a small animal vet you can get him to? Do they ever give him any fresh veggies? Where are you located? Why would their vet put him down? Do they not see small animals?

[MiriamS]

Jessica, how did the hammie react to the sugar? Is it drinking and peeing excessively? Diabetes is very common in dwarf hamsters, especially those sold at pet stores (inbreeding). I'm not sure if it's AS common in robos but it's worth keeping an eye on.

[JessicaLynn]

I'm looking for someone that will see him. I'm inst Pete, and nobody wants to deal with such a small animal. MY exotic is an hour away now and out for the week anyway. It pisses me off that I'm having to talk my mom into putting forth the effort to find a vet that will see him.

He's not responding to the sugar, won't move his mouth. He's not crying right now. Was trying to find safety and dosage info for meticam for the time being, but no luck. Does anybody know of a local vet that will take the time with him?

[JessicaLynn]

It sounds like they have tried a carrot from time to time. They had him in some sort of cotton candy looking bedding. It was twisted around his ankle. This is why I refused to bea vet. Neglect and ignorance don't go well with pets, dang it!

[LyddicleaveBurrow]

Hi,

Diabetes is rare in Roborovski Hamsters, but can happen in this species as with any other. Other Dwarf Hamster species are far more prone to Diabetes though, particularly Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Chinese Hamsters.

The shock of being tangled up could have caused some of the symptoms that you are describing, but the fact that the hamster is thrashing and throwing his head back indicates neurological problems of some kind - either caused by injury or genetics.

Here are a couple of links to sites on neurological and health issues with Roborovski Hamsters -

http://roborovskihamsters.webs.com/spinning.htm

http://roborovskihamsters.co.uk/healthaspx

I hope that the little one will be ok.

Heather.

[JessicaLynn]

Alright, I've found someone that says the behavior is probably due to the stress of the injury. They gave her the advice that Jackie mentioned, and said they would see her first thing in the morning, unless something changed beforehand. I'm still not happy about waiting, but I need to leave for work soon. At least I can use this situation to deter then from more animals. Thanks for the help you guys. You all are wonderful. I'm glad some people care this much still. I'll check back when I can for info and to deliver an update. He's starting to take the sugar, btw!

[grinn75]

I have a great vet in St. Pete Largo area. She took great care of my Robo dwarf hamster. Dr. Zellner at Avian and Animal Hospital, 727-398-1928.

My other thought could be diet. Most of those hamster diets are all seed and that's not good for them and could cause calcium deficiency. Rodent block as a main diet and seed as an occasional treat is much better.